Meet the Candidate: David Chess

1. How will you ensure transparency, and public engagement in your decision-making process if elected?  

I believe transparency and public trust are the foundation of effective local government. Here’s how we’ll make that real:

1. We will restructure Town Council meetings to allow for genuine dialogue between town leadership and residents, not just one-way communication where no one is in the room to listen.
2. I will hold weekly open-door hours where any resident can come talk to me directly, no appointments, no barriers.
3. Every department and major town project will have a public-facing dashboard outlining goals, progress, and key performance indicators so residents can track outcomes in real time.
4. We will establish District Councils across Stratford. These resident-led councils will develop local visions, raise concerns, and serve as a direct line between neighborhoods and town government. They’ll report to the Town Council and Mayor’s office at least quarterly, and more often when needed.

2. What are your top three priorities (and/or your goals) for Stratford, and how do you plan to achieve them?

This is a big question, but it should be. Stratford deserves bold, clear priorities:

1. Economic Development
Our Grand List actually shrank this year and that’s a red flag. We’re revenue-starved. We need public-private partnerships to bring real business investment into Stratford. We must think creatively. A solar farm above the train station parking lot, microgrid energy generation, and reimagining spaces like the Army Engine Plant site. Stratford deserves more.

2. Restoring Public Education
We once had a strong, respected school system. We can get there again. That means restoring magnet programs, after-school clubs, music, librarians, but also building stability, strong leadership, and innovation. This isn’t just about budgets. It’s about values. When we have strong schools our property values go up, people want to move to Stratford, it becomes a destination town, and our populace is well educated for generations to come. 

3. Lowering the Tax Burden
Stratford has one of the highest tax rates in the state. Seniors and working families are being priced out. The only sustainable way to reduce taxes is to expand our commercial tax base. So this goal ties right back to economic development.

All of my priorities and plans are listed on my website at https://www.chessforstratford.com/issues

3. How do you plan to address housing affordability and equitable development across

Stratford’s neighborhoods?

Stratford needs a comprehensive land use plan, rooted in community input. We will work with residents in every neighborhood to create a development blueprint that reflects each area’s character, values, and needs. Then, instead of reacting to developer proposals, we’ll bring our community-driven vision to the table and invite developers to partner with us. This approach empowers residents, attracts thoughtful investment, and ensures we build affordable housing with the community, not to it.

4.  Why are all of the trees being cut down? How will we get more? What will you do about it? (Question asked by a 6 year old resident)

That’s a great question, and one adults should be asking too.

Over the last decade, Stratford has lost hundreds of trees. Too often, trees are seen as a nuisance, especially when they grow near power lines. Instead of trimming them or exploring underground wiring when streets are already under construction, they’re cut down. That’s short-sighted.

Trees keep our homes and streets cool, reduce flooding, clean our air, and cut energy costs. We should treat them as essential infrastructure, because they are.

I will work with the Town Council and Tree Warden to launch the Stratford Urban Forestry Corps. A volunteer group of residents and students who will be trained in tree care and empowered to help maintain and expand our tree canopy. I also want to explore tax incentives for planting and maintaining trees on private property.

Trees aren’t a luxury. They’re part of a healthy, resilient future.

5. In what ways will you support local businesses, and strengthen economic development without compromising the quality of life for residents?

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Stratford, and they deserve more than lip service.

We’ll dedicate real resources to promoting our local businesses by  helping them share their stories, reach new customers, and compete in a challenging economy. That includes marketing support within and beyond Stratford. We need to actively and continuously promote our small businesses. This is not a one and done.

We’ll explore launching a business incubator in underutilized spaces, like empty warehouses, to support startups and entrepreneurs. And we’ll pursue startup grants and loans to help businesses survive those tough early years.

Economic growth shouldn’t come at the cost of community life. We can grow without losing who we are.

• How will you foster the relationship with the new Board of Education for the whole student?

I’ve been collaborating with educators, parents, and community members to reimagine what Stratford’s schools could be.

We know what’s possible and after this election we hope to have the right people in place to make it happen, but it takes more than leadership. It takes trust, transparency, and community engagement.

We must empower families to get involved and make schools feel like a second home. We must build a Board of Education that works hand-in-hand with teachers, staff, and parents and one that nurtures a shared vision and keeps students at the center of every decision.

Our kids deserve the best. Let’s give it to them together.

• Is there anything else you’d like to share with the residents of Stratford as they consider who to vote for on Nov. 4th?

I’m not a politician and I don’t want to become one. I’m a neighbor, a physician, and someone who deeply believes in this town and its potential.

I’ve answered your questions honestly and directly because you deserve straight answers. Stratford needs more than slogans. We need a vision, a plan, and leadership that listens.

I see a Stratford with great schools, a thriving local economy, vibrant neighborhoods, and a government you can trust. A place where seniors are valued, families are supported, and every resident feels like they belong.

That’s the Stratford I want to build, and that’s why I’m running for Mayor.